FC Porto tried to divert left-back El Karouani from his intention to sign for Benfica. The portista club resorted to messages sent by coach Villas-Boas and sporting director Farioli directly to the player's agent to try to convince the left-back to change his mind.
El Karouani had a completely closed agreement with Benfica and showed no willingness to change his decision. Despite FC Porto's attempts, the player did not "bite the rope," that is, did not give in to the pressure and maintained the commitment established with the encarnado club.
This information was reported by newspaper Record in numerous mode, indicating that FC Porto was aware of the closeness of the agreement between El Karouani and Benfica and tried to intervene belatedly to alter the player's destination.
